That appears to be for both footballing reasons, with doubts over whether the former sprinter was actually any good at soccer, and financial causes. The club was looking for outside economic help to fund any kind of a contract. None was forthcoming.

"I wish the club success for the season ahead," said the world's fastest man, as he disappeared into the sunset. Quickly.

Wayne Rooney misses penalty to end DC United playoff dream

At roughly the same time in the US of A - but on Thursday - another gentleman in his 30s had his soccer hopes dashed on the rocks of reality.

Sports Burst is pointing at the 33-year-old Wayne Rooney, whose DC United was knocked out of the MLS playoffs at the first round, despite a remarkable regular season to reach them in the first place.

The capital city club lost to Columbus Crew in a penalty shootout, with Rooney missing his own spot-kick.

Another soccer dream was kicked in the special place with MLS debutantes also crashing out in the playoffs. It was LAFC this time with Real Salt Lake benefiting twice in one week from a Los Angeles team tanking.

Choke number one took place on Sunday when LA Galaxy throw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Houston Dynamo and give RSL a playoff berth. On Thursday LAFC was 2-1 at home with a happy Will Ferrell watching on.

But then a Karate Kid style effort from Damir Kreilach and an own goal put RSL into the Conference semis.

Real Salt Lake now takes on Sporting KC in a double header. Seattle Sounders will face rivals Portland Timbers in the other Western Conference clash. In the east, NY Red Bulls face Columbus Crew while Atlanta United hosts NYCFC. All first-leg clashes take place on Sunday.

Fantastic Friday with dazzling soccer double-header

beIN SPORTS is in giggling mode today as it offers up two of the biggest games in the world this weekend. On the same day. Today, in actual fact.

First up, it's Turkey's Intercontinental Derby with Galatasaray hosting Fenerbahce. It could be a very good day for the home team. A win would move Galatasaray to the top of the table and potentially send the badly struggling Fenerbahce to the bottom after the weekend. No Turkish delight there for the visitors.

The league leaders are looking for a record-breaking 12th victory on the bounce since the start of the season. Standing in their way is the best side you've probably not seen this season - Lille - with the best player you may never have heard of - Nicolas Pepe.

The XTRA is the place to be for all the best action of the day at 7PM ET / 4PM PT.

Real Madrid's manager manhunt continues

And once again, it's slim pickings in the news department unless Florentino is in mega-stealth mode. Instead, Santiago Solari will be speaking today ahead of Real Madrid's home clash on Saturday against Valladolid, the club owned by former Madrid legend, Ronaldo the First. Barcelona will be traveling to Madrid to take on Rayo Vallecano.

A significantly more cheerful Jose Mourinho - a Real Madrid target reportedly - has been speaking ahead of Manchester United's trip to Bournemouth. The aim for United, says the Special One, is to get to the end of December to be in a better position to make a title bid, when asked if the club's EPL chances had gone for good.

The Locker Room will be looking at whether Real Madrid should stick or twist with Santiago Solari at the helm at 7:30PM ET / 4:30PM PT.